The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to take decisive action against kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that sponsors and backers of criminal activities will face the full weight of the law once identified.
The governor made this known during a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, where stakeholders discussed security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the government, security agencies and herders to tackle rising insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over recent abduction cases in some communities, revealing that one area recorded three kidnapping incidents within the last two months.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” the governor said.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against involvement in criminal activities.
The governor also referenced a recent protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area over insecurity, noting that representatives of the landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss possible solutions.
“Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association of that community were here with me and we had discussions. We agreed on what we have to do there,” he said.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police had been directed to deploy at least two patrol vehicles to a police post in the area to enhance security.
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects linked to kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that some of them had begun making confessional statements.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared,” he said.
While acknowledging residents’ frustration over rising kidnapping incidents, the governor criticised the protest, warning that such demonstrations could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
“That is why we always tell people that protest should not be the first line of action. When you start it, you don’t know who is who. When it is hijacked, other crimes can follow,” he added.
The governor explained that the meeting formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at addressing security threats before they escalate.
He also revealed that intelligence reports suggested that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara State and Kogi State might be attempting to move into Ondo.
According to him, some suspects reportedly travel at night along cattle herding routes, using cattle as cover.
Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to support legitimate cattle-rearing businesses but stressed the need for collaboration with herders’ associations to identify criminals hiding within their ranks.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses. But there are some who rustle cattle or use cattle as shield to move into territories. You are the ones who can identify them because you know your profession and your people,” he said.
Earlier, the Ondo State chairman of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity had become a concern for all stakeholders in the state.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” Maunde said.
He added that the association plans to engage Fulani communities across the state and collaborate with security agencies to identify criminal elements.
